Trial Reset for Man Accused in Mother's Day Weekend Double Homicide

MANCHESTER, Iowa - A trial set next month for a 19-year-old charged in a double homicide earlier this year was continued Tuesday to March 6, in Delaware County District Court.

Brandon Ahlers of Manchester is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting in first-degree murder for his part in the fatal shootings of Janet, 62, and Richard, 55, Sweet, of Manchester. He is accused of suggesting to his friend, Isaiah Sweet, different ways to kill the couple. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in jail under bond.

Isaiah Sweet, 17, of Manchester, also charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his grandparents and legal guardians. The couple were found dead in their home May 13, with gunshot wounds to the head. Relatives found the bodies when they came over for Mother's Day.

According to a search warrant, Isaiah Sweet admitted to shooting his grandparents after contemplating beating his grandfather with a baseball bat. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Buchanan County Jail under bond.

Isaiah Sweet also is charged with assaulting a girl with the intent to commit sexual abuse causing bodily injury, along with other misdemeanor charges last April, before the homicide involving his grandparents.